10 MAR 2026 Alleged $1.043m Fraud: Court Adjourns Fred Ajudua’s Case Indefinitely Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, on Monday, March 9, 2026, adjourned indefinitely (sine die) the trial of Fred Ajudua over an alleged $1,043,000 fraud. Ajudua is standing trial for allegedly defrauding a Palestinian, Zad Abu Zalaf, of the sum of $1,043,000 (One Million, Forty-Three Thousand U.S. Dollars) under false pretences. The case, which began in 2005 before Justice M.O. Obadina of the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja, encountered several delays due to legal technicalities employed by the defendant that stalled the proceedings and complicated his arraignment. The matter was subsequently reassigned to Justice J.E. Oyefeso and later to Justice M.A. Dada, before whom Ajudua was finally arraigned on June 4, 2018. Following the denial of his bail by Justice Dada, Ajudua appealed to the Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal, which granted him bail on September 10, 2018. Dissatisfied with the appellate court’s ruling, the EFCC appealed to the Supreme Court. The Commission also filed a separate appeal with suit number SC/912C/2018 challenging the appellate court’s decision to transfer the case from Justice Dada to another judge to commence afresh (de novo). Both issues were resolved in favour of the appellant (prosecution) by the apex court, which remitted the case to the Chief Judge of Lagos State to be assigned to Justice Dada for the continuation of a speedy trial and its determination within the shortest possible time. At the proceedings on Monday, the defence counsel, Olalekan Ojo, SAN, informed the court that the defendant had filed a motion on notice before the court. “This matter was earlier adjourned for the continuation of trial. “However, there is a supervening factor, which is the judgment of the Court of Appeal delivered on January 30, 2026, allowing the appeal against the ruling of the Lagos State High Court refusing the defendant bail,” he said. Ojo further told the court that a Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment had been forwarded to the court and attached to the motion on notice filed by the defence on March 5, 2026. According to him, the Court of Appeal granted bail to the defendant and also ordered that the substantive suit be remitted to another court to commence de novo. The senior counsel to the defendant submitted that he was relying on the case of Ajudua v. FRN (2019) where the Court of Appeal gave a similar interpretation on the transfer of the case to start de novo. He also informed the court that the complainant in the matter had appealed against the decision at the Court of Appeal. “Until that judgment is set aside, the court must act on it. We have written a letter to the Chief Judge of Lagos State to reassign the case to another judge of the High Court of Lagos State,” he said. Ojo argued that the present court no longer had the jurisdiction to continue with the case and could only direct that the case file be sent to the Chief Judge of Lagos State for reassignment. Ojo (SAN) also informed the court that he was not relying on the motion filed on March 5, 2026 but on the Judgment of the Court of Appeal delivered on January 30, 2026. In response, the prosecuting counsel, S. K. Atteh, told the court that he received the application late on Friday. He added that although the Court of Appeal granted bail to the defendant, the judgment contained no order directing that the case be transferred to another court. Atteh also informed the Court that counsel to the defendant had filed a motion at the Court of Appeal praying the Court to clarify or interpret the judgment on the issue of the transfer of the case to another judge of the High Court of Lagos State for the trial to start de novo, contrary to the earlier decision of the Supreme Court on the issue. He urged the Court to strike out the motion if the counsel to the defendant is not relying on the application, which was still pending in the court file. After listening to the submissions of both parties, Justice Dada struck out the motion on notice and adjourned the matter sine die (indefinitely). Meanwhile, Ojo SAN, Counsel to Fred Ajudua has also filed another motion at the Supreme Court on February 24, 2026 , praying the apex court to set aside its earlier judgment delivered on May 9, 2025. The press release includes a file photo of "Fast Freddie" Ajudua: alleged-1043m-fraud-court-adjourns-fred-ajuduas-case-indefinitely 419 Coalition note: Of course, Ole Fast Freddie can afford, drawing on his stolen 419ed many multiple millions of dollars, the best of legal teams who are expert in the classic tsctics of delay, appeal, delay, sppesl, and delay some more... *********************************************** 10 MAR 2026 Make Integrity Your Foundation, Olukoyede Charges Students The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede has charged students across the country to make integrity their foundation, stressing that with such a foundation, future prospects of success will come handy. He gave the charge in Abuja on Monday, March 9, 2026, while addressing students of J.K. People’s Comprehensive Academy Mararaba, Nasarawa State that came on a study tour of EFCC’s Corporate Headquarters. Olukoyede, who spoke through EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity and Spokesperson of the Commission, Deputy Commander of the EFCC, DCE Dele Oyewale noted that students that embraced integrity, accountable conduct and transparency will turn out to be leaders in their generation. “Your foundation is important. No superstructure can stand on a foundation of corruption. At this stage of your education, you have every opportunity to choose integrity. You cannot be wrong with integrity and you cannot be right with corruption”, he said. The EFCC boss further encouraged the students to aim high, broaden their vision and aspirations and dominate their environment for good. On her part, the Head of Enlightenment and Re-Orientation Unit of the Commission, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE II Aisha Mohammed, pointed out that prevention, investigation and prosecution are EFCC's three-pronged approach to fighting corruption, economic and financial crimes. She highlighted television and radio sensitisation programmes and the establishment of Integrity and Zero Tolerance clubs in schools across the country and sustained collaboration with critical stakeholders as part of the Commission’s preventive efforts. She charged the students to always thread the path of ethical behaviour as leaders of tomorrow. “You are the future of this country. If you get it right, Nigeria will get it right. Be content. Don’t allow anyone to pressure you into living beyond your means,” she said. In a presentation on cybersecurity, Inspector of the EFCC, Kayode Eniola, educated the students on the nature and consequences of cybercrimes, describing cybercrimes as criminal activities perpetrated through digital communication tools and internet-enabled platforms. She identified phishing, hacking and online romance scams as common forms of cybercrime, adding that victims of cybercrimes often suffer financial losses, privacy breaches and reputational damage. She further advised the students to adopt preventive measures against cybercrimes, such as using strong passwords, updating their software regularly, avoiding suspicious links and logging out of shared devices after use. n his remarks, Okoro Chijioke, a teacher in the school, expressed gratitude to the EFCC and the students for an insightful event, describing it as “an unforgettable experience and one of the best so far.” The event featured a question and answer session as well as a quiz competition in which the children’s understanding of the lecture was assessed. Two students, who emerged winners, were presented with gifts and souvenirs. The press release contains several photos, among them a couple which include DFC Dele Oyewale, Deputy Commander of the EFCC, Head of Media and Publicity, Spokesman of the EFCC: embrace-anti-corruption-crusade-olukoyede-charges-youths ********************************************** 3 MAR 2026 Shun Fraudulent Practices, Olukoyede Charges Students The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola Olukoyede has charged students across the country to shun fraudulent practices and serve as good ambassadors of their families, schools and communities. He gave the charge on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 when the management and students of ACAD System International School, Jikwoyi, Abuja, came on study tour of the Commission’s Academy, in Karu, Abuja. Olukoyede, who spoke through Assistant Commander of EFCC, ACE1 Chidimma Amanambu, urged the students to be of good behaviour at all times, reminding them that integrity developed at a young age helps strengthen the foundation of a corruption-free society. He noted that the visit aligned with the Commission’s commitment to preventive education and youth engagement, being strategic tools of the anti-graft agency in combating corruption, economic and financial crimes. The EFCC, he said, remained committed not only to enforcement but also to proactive engagement with young Nigerians. While noting that today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders, he encouraged them “to make responsible choices, shun fraudulent practices and serve as ambassadors of honesty” for their families, schools and communities. Deputy Commandant of the EFCC Academy, Assistant Commander of EFCC, ACE 1 Aliyu Yunisa, in his insightful presentation on the statutory functions of the Commission, enumerated the EFCC’s mandate to include investigation, prevention and prosecution of economic and financial crimes, as well as forging collaboration with local and international partners in the fight against corruption, economic and financial crimes. Deputy Superintendent of the EFCC, DSE Angel O. Israel, while educating the students on the consequences of committing economic and financial crimes, charged them to imbibe the morals of integrity, accountability and patriotism. He stressed that national development can only thrive where citizens are committed to ethical conduct and responsible leadership. He urged the students to see themselves as critical stakeholders in building a better Nigeria. The event featured an interactive session, guided tours of selected facilities of the Academy and a question and answer segment where the students demonstrated keen interest in the Commission’s operations. The press release contains photos: shun-fraudulent-practices-olukoyede-charges-students ****************************************** 27 FEB 2026 Alleged $1.043m Fraud: EFCC Seeks Supreme Court’s Order to Revoke Ajudua’s Bail The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has approached the Supreme Court of Nigeria seeking an order to revoke the bail granted to Lagos socialite, Fred Chijindu Ajudua, by the Court of Appeal of Nigeria sitting in Lagos. In a notice of appeal dated February 20, 2026 and filed at the apex court in Abuja, the anti-graft agency is challenging the entire ruling of the appellate court delivered on January 30, 2026, which admitted Ajudua to bail. The Commission, through its counsel S.K. Atteh argues that the Court of Appeal erred in law when it dismissed the prosecution’s preliminary objection and proceeded to grant bail to the defendant. According to the EFCC, the appellate court failed to properly interpret the earlier judgment of the Supreme Court delivered on May 9, 2025 in related appeals involving Ajudua. The Commission argued that the apex court had effectively foreclosed further consideration of bail when it ordered that the respondent remain in custody pending the speedy trial of the charge. The EFCC particularly faulted the Court of Appeal for allegedly holding that the Supreme Court did not order Ajudua’s continued detention, describing the lower court’s position as contrary to the doctrine of judicial hierarchy and the finality of Supreme Court’s decisions. Central to the dispute is the interpretation of portions of the Supreme Court judgment where the apex court discussed the relationship between jurisdiction and bail. The EFCC maintained that the Court of Appeal failed to address passages in the apex court’s decision which, in its view, meant that the issue of bail had been conclusively determined and could not be revisited by any lower court. It further argued that by granting fresh bail, the appellate court violated Sections 235 and 275(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which make decisions of the Supreme Court final and binding on lower courts. Medical Grounds for Bail Challenged The anti-graft agency also attacked the appellate court’s reliance on Ajudua’s medical report dated November 19, 2025 as constituting changed circumstances warranting bail. The EFCC claimed the respondent had been diagnosed with kidney-related ailments since 1987 and had repeatedly relied on the condition to delay trial since the charge was filed in 2005. It further alleged inconsistencies in medical reports issued by the same consultant, arguing that the Court of Appeal failed to properly evaluate the evidence before admitting the defendant to bail. The Commission warned that allowing Ajudua to remain on bail would frustrate the Supreme Court’s directive for speedy trial. It cited an earlier case in which, despite being on bail, only one prosecution witness had been called over an extended period. In specific terms, the EFCC is praying the apex court revoke the bail granted to Ajudua by the Court of Appeal on January 30, 2026; and restore the trial court’s ruling of November 20, 2025 which refused bail. No hearing date has yet been announced at the Supreme Court. Ajudua is standing trial for allegedly defrauding Palestinian businessman, Zad Abu Zalaf the sum of $1.043million. alleged-1043m-fraud-efcc-seeks-supreme-courts-order-to-revoke-ajuduas-bail 419 Coalition note: Ole Fast Freddie is one of the biggest OG 419ers in the business. Got to give a reluctant tip of the hat to the enemy across the lines of war, as Churchill did for Rommel back in WWII. However, in terms of being held to account for his crimes, ole Fast Freddie has more lives than a really lucky cat.... Yes, Fast Freddie is indeed among the Best of the Worst.... there is no way he should Ever get bail on this or any other 419 related charge. ********************************************** 26 FEB 2026 From the DOJ US Attorneys Office, Southern District of Texas: Nigerian citizen who attempted to unlawfully obtain U.S. residency through fraudulent marriages sentenced in $4 million conspiracy HOUSTON- A 40-year-old man who illegally resided in Houston has been ordered to federal prison for his role in a romance scam and business email compromise scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Leslie Chinedu Mba pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit false statements in immigration documents Dec. 4, 2025. U.S. District Judge David Hittner has now ordered Mba to serve 228 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. At the hearing, the court heard that victims were defrauded of over $4 million. “Romance scams are among the lowest and most despicable forms of fraud because they prey upon the lonely and vulnerable, and disproportionately victimize senior citizens,” said Ganjei. “These online scams Mba and his friends perpetrated jeopardized the livelihood of family-run businesses, the ability of elderly individuals to retire, and exploited the trust that fuels our economy. Even worse, Mba and his confederates committed these crimes while attempting to remain in our country under false pretenses by deceiving immigration authorities. Now, Mba has prison to look forward to, followed by a one-way ticket back to Nigeria.” “Out of all the frauds perpetrated by Leslie Mba and his co-conspirators, their weaponization of romance scams to deliberately target vulnerable and elderly Americans is most disturbing,” said FBI Houston Special Agent in Charge Jason Hudson. “Romance scams cruelly manipulate trust, callously exploit the fear of loneliness, and leave victims both financially devastated and emotionally shattered. The FBI will continue to combat fraudsters whose schemes leave a wake of misery behind.” From April 2018 to December 2023, Mba and others inside and outside of the United States carried out business email compromise and romance scams targeting unsuspecting victims. The schemes began overseas, where co-conspirators gained unauthorized access to business email accounts and redirected payments to fraudulent bank accounts. Victims believed they were sending money to legitimate businesses, but Mba and others instead funneled the funds to accounts they controlled. Mba and others acted as money mules, opening or using existing bank accounts to collect and move proceeds from the fraud. Additionally, Mba tried to obtain U.S. permanent residency through multiple fraudulent marriages after his initial application was denied and he was ordered to be removed from the country. The scheme resulted in a total loss of $4 million. Four others had also previously pleaded guilty Grace Morisho, 30, Rodgers Kadikilo, 30, Kristin Smith, 38, and Alexandra Golovko, 36, all of Houston. Morisho, Kadikilo and Smith received sentences ranging between 15 to 25 months while Golovko received five years probation. Mba will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of Houston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Alum prosecuted the case. Updated March 2, 2026 nigerian-citizen-who-attempted-unlawfully-obtain-us-residency-through-fraudulent ******************************************************** 18 FEB 2026 EFCC Arraigns Two for N143million Fraud in Benin-City The Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Tuesday February 17, 2026, arraigned two suspected fraudsters, Kelvin Usiholo and Osaigbovo Aikoriogie before Justice B. O. Quadri of the Federal High Court sitting in Benin City. The duo and others now at large were arraigned on a three -count charge of obtaining the sum of N143 million under false pretence. Kelvin Usiholo, acting as a lawful attorney for Eghosa Aikorogie had through a firm of legal practitioners petitioned the Commission alleging that Osaigbovo Aikorogie defrauded Eghosa Aikorogie of large sums of money in a business transaction. However, during investigation by the Commission, it was discovered that the source of the fund was fraudulent and that both the complainant and the suspect were part of a syndicate who specialise in defrauding innocent people including foreigners of their hard earned money. Upon conclusion of investigations, both were arraigned on a three count charge of money laundering and obtaining by false pretence. Count one of the charges reads: “That you KELVIN USIHOLO, OSAIGBOVO AIKORIOGIE, EGHOSA AIKOROGHIE (AT LARGE), JUNIOR IGBINOVIA (AT LARGE), BOBBY OSARETIN (AT LARGE) AND OTHERS (AT LARGE) sometime in 2024 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court did conspire among yourselves to commit an offence to wit Money Laundering and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 21(a) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and punishable under section 18(3) of the same Act.” Count two reads: “That you KELVIN USIHOLO, OSAGBOVO AIKORIOGIE AND OTHERS (AT LARGE) sometime between April and May 2024 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court did indirectly take possession or control of the aggregate sum of N143,000,000: 00 (One Hundred and Forty-three Million Naira) transferred into Account No: 3088191477 domiciled in First Bank Plc operated by you which funds you knew or reasonably ought to have known forms part of proceeds of unlawful acts and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 (as Amended) and punishable under Section 18(3) of the same Act.” The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to them prompting the prosecution counsel, Immaculate Elodi to pray the court to fix a date for trial. Justice Quadri adjourned the matter to February 27 for hearing of the bail application. The press release contains photos: efcc-arraigns-two-for-n143million-fraud-in-benin-city ************************************************ 17 FEB 2026 Olukoyede Charges Students to Shun Cybercrimes, Social Vices, Emphasizes Digital Integrity The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has charged students across the country to shun internet fraud and embrace digital integrity and cultural reorientation. He gave the charge on Wednesday, February 17, 2026, at a conference themed “Cybercrimes, Drugs and other Social Vices” at the main campus, University of Abuja. Speaking through the Head of Enlightenment and Re-Orientation Unit of the EFCC, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE II Aisha Muhammad, the Chairman urged students to stay away from cybercrime and leverage their talents for positive impact through entrepreneurship, drama, music, innovation and other engagements “I implore you to use your creative talents like fashion design, music, and art to impact the society”, he said. He stressed that the EFCC was passionate about guiding youths using programs like Integrity Clubs and Zero Tolerance Clubs in secondary and tertiary institutions to promote anti-corruption efforts. “Be ambassadors of Nigeria, represent your families and country with integrity, and shun cybercrime, drug abuse, and cultism”, he said. Executive Director of CISLAC/TI-Nigeria, Awwal Ibrahim Rafsanjani, who delivered a keynote address at the National Student Leadership Conference, emphasised the link between integrity and national development. He highlighted corruption as a major challenge impeding Nigeria's progress, fueling social vices like cybercrime, drug abuse, and cultism. The organizer of the festival, Tayo Folorunsho, emphasized the importance of youth- centered initiatives, noting that such events are essential in moulding responsible citizens and fostering safer financial space. The festival provided a platform for students across the Federal Capital Territory, to be tutored on the virtues of integrity, discipline and civic responsibilities aimed at building a better society and safer financial space. Activities like singing and dancing were featured in the Conference The press release contains photos: olukoyede-charges-students-to-shun-cybercrimes-social-vices-emphasizes-digital-integrity ************************************************** 17 FEB 2026 EFCC Arrests Two for Alleged N35.3m Investment Fraud in Enugu Operatives of the Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested the duo of Samuel Inalegwu Okpala and Ezelibe Emmanuel Nzube for allegedly conspiring with one Chibuike VincentDePaul Izundu (at large), to defraud thirty-two (32) victims the sum of N35, 395. 000 (Thirty -five Million, Three hundred and Ninety-five Thousand Naira) through fake investment. They were arrested based on the claims of petitioners that alleged that they were lured into investing the said sum by representatives of Paybeta Digital Limited, a company linked to Izundu, the primary suspect. According to the petitioners, the representatives of the company claimed they were dealers in recharge cards, electricity, DSTV and GOTV subscriptions. The petitioners said that they were convinced to invest in the said company, after which they would be offered 15% to 80% return on investment, depending on the duration of their investments. “Immediately they collected the money, they ran away and all efforts made to recover our money have proved abortive”, the petitioners alleged. Preliminary investigations revealed that Izundu connived with Okpala to defraud the petitioners, using Okpala’s account (RFB Global Resources Nigeria Limited). Upon the arrest of Okpala, a bank’s token was found in his possession meant to be delivered to Nzube as directed by Izundu, the principal suspect at large. Further investigations revealed incriminating messages in Okpala and Nzube’s mobile phones, linking them to Izundu's fraudulent activities. It was also discovered that Nzube was equally into internet fraud, specializing in romance scams. The suspects will soon be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded. The press release contains a rather useless photo: efcc-arrests-two-for-alleged-n353m-investment-fraud-in-enugu ********************************************* 18 FEB 2026 Lagos Court Jails Man One Year for N37m Forex Fraud Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, on Monday, February 16, 2023, convicted and sentenced one Henry Daniel to one year imprisonment for N37m foreign exchange fraud. The convict was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Lagos Zonal Directorate 1, Ikoyi, on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and stealing. Count one reads: “That you, Daniel Henry (trading under the name and style of Equigro Financial Services), sometime between January and October 2020, in Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court, with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of N37,000,000 (Thirty Seven Million Naira) by false pretence from Mr. Eze Onyekachukwu by falsely representing to him that the said sum represents investment in forex trading business and committed the offence of obtaining money by false pretence, contrary to Sections 1(3) and 8(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act No 14 of 2006.” Count two reads: “That you, Daniel Henry, ( trading under the name and style of Equigro Financial Services), sometime between January and October 2020 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, stole by fraudulently converting to your own use the sum of Thirty Seven Million Naira (37,000,000.00), property of Mr. Eze Onyekachukwu and committed the offence of stealing contrary to Section 278(1) (a) and (b) and section 285 (1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria 2011.” The defendant pleaded “not guilty” to the charge, thereby leading to his full trial. During the trial, the prosecution counsel, Babatunde Sonoiki, presented three witnesses and tendered several documents, which were admitted in evidence by the court. Delivering judgment, Justice Fadipe found him guilty and sentenced him to one year imprisonment, with an option of a fine of N2,000,000 (Two Million Naira). The court also ordered him to undertake 50 hours of community service and make restitution of N15,600,000 to the petitioner. The convict’s road to the Correctional Centre began when he was arrested by operatives of the EFCC for obtaining the sum of N37,000,000 (Thirty Seven Million Naira) by false pretence from Mr. Eze Onyekachukwu in the guise of getting him into investment in forex. He neither invested the funds in forex nor returned the money to the petitioner. The press release contains a photo: lagos-court-jails-man-one-year-for-n37m-forex-frau ****************************************** 13 FEB 2026 Sokoto Court Jails Two Fraudsters for Money Doubling Justice Muhammad Saidu Sifawa of Sokoto State High Court has convicted and sentenced Labaran Aliyu and Abdulraham Lawal to two years imprisonment each for cheating. They were jailed on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 after pleading guilty to one -count separate charges of cheating. The charge against Aliyu reads " That you Labaran Aliyu, male, sometimes in 2025 within the jurisdiction of the High Court of Sokoto State with intent to defraud, fraudulently obtained the sum of N7,000,000.00 from unsuspecting victims under false pretense to wit: false representation of yourself as having power to double money and thereafter used the money to buy a Mercedes GLK with chassis number WDCGG8HB5AF315979, thereby committing an offence of cheating contrary to Section 310 of the Sokoto State Penal Code Law and punishable under Section 311 the same law". The charge against Lawal reads "That you Abdulrahman Lawal, male sometimes in 2025 within the jurisdiction of the High Court of Sokoto State, with intent to defraud, fraudulently obtained the sum of N110,000.00 from unsuspecting victims to wit: false representation of yourself as having power to double money thereby committing an offence of cheating contrary to Section 310 of the Sokoto State Penal Code Law and punishable under Section 311 the same law". The two defendants pleaded guilty to their charges, prompting prosecution counsel, Aliyu Bokani Usman to pray he court to convict and sentence them accordingly. Justice Sifawa convicted and sentenced Aliyu to two years imprisonment with an option of ?100,000.00 ( One Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. She also ordered the forfeiture of a Mercedes Benz GLK car acquired from the proceeds of crime to the victim. The judge also convicted and sentenced Lawal to two years imprisonment with an option of ?100,000.00( One Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. He forfeited a Samsung S10E phone, being a proceeds of crime to the government. The convicts bagged their imprisonment when the EFCC charged them to court relying on its intelligence showing that both convicts belong to the infamous "sai mallam" cult operating within the Sokoto environment and infamous for enticing and cajoling unsuspecting members of the public under the guise of being powerful marabouts capable of making people wealthy. They drew victims from Niger Republic, Cote d' Ivoire, Cameroon and Burkina Faso. The press release contains photos: sokoto-court-jails-two-fraudsters-for-money-doublin ****************************************** 11 FEB 2026 Court Jails Two Chinese 46 Years Each for N3.4bn, $2.5m Cyberterrorism, Internet Fraud in Lagos Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, convicted and sentenced two Chinese: Huang Haoyu and An Hongxu, to 46 years’ imprisonment each for cyber terrorism and internet fraud. The convicts, alongside one Friday Audu were among a syndicate of 792 fraudsters arrested for cryptocurrency, investment and romance fraud on December 19, 2024 in Lagos in a surprise operation tagged “Eagle Flush Operation” by EFCC operatives. Investigations revealed that Friday allegedly incorporated Genting International Co. Ltd. on the directive of Huang Haoyu to facilitate the fraudulent scheme. The defendants were found to have procured and employed Nigerian youths to falsely represent themselves as foreign nationals for the purpose of defrauding unsuspecting victims through online platforms. They were subsequently arraigned alongside a company, Genting International Co. Ltd., by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on a seven- count charge bordering on cyber-terrorism, internet fraud and money laundering to the tune of N3,407,824,740.78 (Three Billion, Four Hundred and Seven Million, Eight Hundred Twenty-Four Thousand, Seven Hundred and Forty Naira, Seventy Eight kobo), and $2,562,203 ( Two Million, Five Hundred and Sixty Two Thousand, Two Hundred and Three United States Dollars). One of the counts reads: “That you, Huang Haoyu, a.k.a Ken, Audu Friday, An Hongxu, Duliang Pan (at large) and Genting International Co. Ltd, sometime in 2024 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, conspired to willfully cause to be accessed, computer systems organised to seriously destabilise the economic and social structure of Nigeria (which prohibits and prevents cyber and related crimes) when you, with intent to gain a financial advantage for yourselves and cronies, procured and or employed Nigerian youths to falsely represent themselves as persons of foreign nationalities, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 27 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act, 2015 (As Amended, 2024) and punishable under Section 18 of the same Act”. They initially pleaded “not guilty” to the charges preferred against them. At the resumed sitting on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, counsel to the first and third defendants, Bridget Omateno, informed the court that the defendants would like to change their pleas from “not guilty” to “guilty.” When the charges were re-read to them, both Haoyu and Hongxu pleaded “guilty” to the procured and or employed Nigerian youths to falsely represent themselves as persons of foreign nationalitie charges filed against them, while Audu maintained his plea of “not guilty.” Following the guilty pleas of both Haoyu and Hongxu, who are directors in the company, the prosecution counsel, Bilikisu Bala- Buhari stated that the prosecution had earlier called two witnesses before the change of plea. She urged the court to impose the maximum punishment of life imprisonment on counts 1, 2 and 3, and 14 years’ imprisonment on counts 4 to 7. The prosecution also prayed the court to order the forfeiture of all items recovered during investigation from the four properties listed in the charge (Items 1–135) to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The items are: 1,596 mobile phones, 2,120 office chairs, 544 office tables, 194 routers, 43 computer systems, a network server, 126 air-conditioning units, several generators and vehicles, hundreds of mattresses and bunk beds, thousands of SIM cards across different networks, and numerous other electronic devices and household items recovered from premises at No. 7 Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island; Plot 1220 Bishop Oluwole Street, Victoria Island; 54A A.J. Marinho Drive, Victoria Island; and No. 14A Modupe Alakija Crescent, Ikoyi. Delivering judgment, Justice Osiagor convicted and sentenced the first and third defendants to a cumulative term of 46 years’ imprisonment each, with an option of fine of N56,000,000 (Fifty- Six Million Naira). The court also ordered that they undertake three days of community service and be repatriated after serving their sentences and completing the community service. The matter was adjourned till April 29, 2026 for the continuation of trial involving Audu Friday, who maintained his not guilty plea. The press release contains photos: court-jails-two-chinese-46-years-each-for-n34bn-25m-cyberterrorism-internet-fraud-in-lagos 419 Coalition note: As we mentioned many times last year, the verbiage of the charge reading that the defendants "conspired to willfully cause to be accessed, computer systems organised to seriously destabilise the economic and social structure of Nigeria" is simply propaganda shifting the blame for this this massive 419 operation from Nigerian nationals on to Chinese foreigners. Firstly, someone, presumably Nigerian, had to sponsor these Chinese nationals for entry to and residence in Nigeria. Secondly, the great bulk of people 419ing who were involved in Operation Eagle Flush were Nigerian nationals - something like 500 Nigerian nationals were involved and only a couple of hundred mostly foreign nationals were arrested, not all of whom were Chinese. Thirdly, the Nigerian nationals who were "procured and or employed Nigerian youths to falsely represent themselves as persons of foreign nationalities" were just as guilty of 419 crimes as their foreign co-workers and just as deserving of being prosecuted for them. Fourthly, directly bearing on the "destabilzation" etc. charge, 419 Coalition maintains that 419ers in general do not give a damn about the Nigerian government or economy, but simply wish to line their own pockets, and that this 419 operation was no exception to that general rule. ************************************************** 4 FEB 2026 EFCC Arraigns Fake Investor for Defrauding Americans $525,276 in Uyo The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Uyo Zonal Directorate on Thursday January 29, 2026, arraigned Victor Ekpong Thompson before Justice Maureen Adaobi of the Federal High Court sitting in Uyo for allegedly defrauding some Americans the sum of $525,276 (Five Hundred And Twenty Five Thousand, Two Hundred And Seventy Six United States Dollars). Thompson was arraigned on eight-count charges for allegedly obtaining the above sum from his victims under the guise of helping them to invest in mineral resources and deep sea port business. The defendant allegedly defrauded some Americans, Tammy Jensen, Kenneth Blad, Peter Jensen and a few others. One of the charges reads, “that you, Victor Ekpeyong Thompson, on or between April, 2024 to December, 2024 in Nigeria, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court, with intent to defraud, did fraudulently obtain the sum of Two Hundred and Thirteen Thousand, Three Hundred and Fifty United States Dollars ($213,350 USD) from Tammy Jensen, Peter Jensen, Kenneth Blad and others (Joint unsuspecting investors), under the pretence of investing the money in mining of mineral resources and deep sea port business, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1 (1) (b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1 (3) of the same Act'. When the charges were read to him, he pleaded not guilty to them. Following his plea of 'not guilty', prosecution counsel Joshua Abolarin prayed the court for a trial date and remand of the defendant in the Correctional Centre pending the determination of the case. However, defence counsel, Savn Daniel made an oral bail application, to which the prosecution objected. After listening to both counsels, Justice Adaobi adjourned the matter to March 19, 2026, for the determination of bail and commencement of trial while the defendant was remanded at the EFCC’s detention facility in Uyo. The press release contains a photo: efcc-arraigns-fake-investor-for-defrauding-americans-525276-in-uyo *************************************************** 3 FEB 2026 - 1 JAN 2026 The Nigerian EFCC did not post any news on West African Advance Fee Fraud (419) crimes 1 JAN - 3 FEB 2026. There was lots of news on Public fraud sorts of things - embezzlement of government funds and malfeasance by government officials and that sort of thing; and of "standard" private sector types of fraud (land swindles, crytpo swindles and the like) but nothing really on Advance Fee Fraud (419) crimes. This was unusual, and is the longest stretch in years that we can remember offhand that has not included at least several postings dealing specifically with Advance Fee Fraud (419) crimes. The above have made 419 Coalition wonder if this lack of press releases concerning 419 mattersis merely a coincidence, or a change in policy or emphasis at the EFCC. Time will tell, wesuppose, as bottom lime is that there is still massive amounts of 419 crime emanating fromNigeria, whether the EFCC is continuing to prioritize counter-419 operations or not. This might be a good time to again note that 419 Coalition has long recommended that the EFCC focus on private sector finiancial crimes, with an emphasis on 419 crimes. We think that it might be a good idea for public sector crimes to be handled primarily by the Internal Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC); and for private sector "standard" fraud crimes to be handled by the Nigerian Police Force. This would free up EFCC to prioritize counter-419 operations in the private sector. To us, it seems like the three services above are all handling all sorts of cases rather than just sticking in their "lane". This inevitably causes confusion as to who is responsible for what, creating duplication of effort problems, and other issues. We think that some "fine tuning" of the charters of the EFCC, ICPC, and Nigeria Police would be good for all the agencies, and inject a little more clarity into fighting private and public sector crimes in Nigeria. Be all the above as it may, it does appear, from their press releases 1 JAN - 3 FEB 2026 that the EFCC has been putting a lot of effort into what 419 Coalition would consider public sector crimes that probably ought to be more in the bailiwick of the ICPC than that of the EFCC. And 419 Coalition of course would prefer that EFCC would prioritize counter-419 operations as its primary mission going forward. Coordinator, 419 Coalition ***********************************************************************